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Around 500BCE there was a Dharma Yuddha, in this World. It was the fight between God and Humanity. Ramayana is traditionally attributed to the sage Valmiki. Valmiki is considered the Adi Kavi, or the first poet, and is believed to have composed the Ramayana in Sanskrit around 500 BCE.
The story begins with the birth of Rama, the eldest son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya. Rama is an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, and he is virtuous, brave, and loved by all. He is married to Sita, who is considered the epitome of beauty, virtue, and devotion.
However, due to a series of events and conspiracies, Rama is forced to go into exile for fourteen years along with his wife Sita and his loyal brother Lakshmana. During their exile in the forest, they encounter various sage, demons, and mythical creatures.
What Happened That Sparked the War?
Surpanakha, the sister of Raavanan, encounters Rama and Lakshmana during their exile in the forest. She is attracted to Rama and tries to win his affection, but Rama, being faithful to his wife Sita, rejects her advances. Surpanakha, feeling humiliated, turns her attention to Lakshmana.
Surpanakha approaches Lakshmana with romantic intentions, but Lakshmana, like Rama, remains loyal to Sita and refuses her advances. Infuriated by the rejection, Surpanakha attacks Sita in a fit of rage. In response, Lakshmana intervenes to protect Sita and cuts off Surpanakha nose and ears as a punishment for her aggression.
The incident of cutting off Surpanakha's nose is a crucial turning point in the Ramayana, as it serves as a trigger for the subsequent events and the intensification of the conflict between Rama and Ravana.
In retaliation, Ravana kidnaps Sita, leading Rama, Lakshmana, and their allies to embark on a quest to rescue her, ultimately culminating in the epic battle between Rama and Ravana.
Lanka’s Beauty During Raavanan’s Rule
Lanka, the kingdom ruled by Raavanan, was depicted as an incredibly beautiful and opulent city. It was often described as a prosperous and magnificent place with stunning architecture, lush gardens, and grand palaces. Here are some details about the beauty of Lanka during Raavanan's rule:
Splendid Architecture
Lanka was renowned for its splendid architecture and magnificent buildings. The city was said to have towering palaces made of gold, silver, and precious gems. These palaces were adorned with intricate carvings, exquisite artwork, and intricate designs.
Prosperous Kingdom
Lanka was depicted as a prosperous and wealthy kingdom. It was believed to be abundant in resources and blessed with natural beauty. The city was known for its rich trade, flourishing markets, and bustling streets.
Beautiful Gardens
Lanka boasts beautiful gardens and parks. These gardens were filled with vibrant and fragrant flowers, exotic plants, and trees laden with fruits. The city's greenery added to its overall charm and splendour.
The description of Lanka's beauty highlights its opulence, architectural brilliance, and natural charm. It was considered a city of great wealth and luxury, fitting for a powerful demon king like Raavanan.
Art and Culture
Lanka was believed to be a center of art, culture, and refinement. The city likely had a thriving artistic community, with poets, musicians, dancers, and artisans showcasing their talents. The people may have indulged in various art forms and appreciated the finer aspects of aesthetics.
Hanuman speaks about the beauty of Lanka and about King Raavanan to Lord Rama and decides to go to Lanka. Lord Rama meets Sugriva who is the king of the Banaras, a race of intelligent monkeys. He forms an alliance with Lord Rama to help him in his quest to find and rescue Sita.
Sugriva and The Vanara Army
Sugriva, the king of the Vanaras (a race of intelligent monkeys), formed an alliance with Lord Rama. The Vanara army, led by Sugriva, consisted of mighty monkey warriors, known for their agility and combat skills. They played a significant role in various battles, including the construction of the Setu (Rama Setu) bridge to Lanka.
Vibhishana
Vibhishana was Raavanan's younger brother who played a significant role in the Ramayana. Unlike his brothers, Vibhishana was a noble and righteous individual who disagreed with Raavanan's actions.
Vibhishana eventually sided with Lord Rama and provided him with crucial insights into Raavanan's army and Lanka's defense, ultimately aiding Rama in his victory.
Kumbhakarna
Kumbhakarna was Raavanan's younger brother and one of the most famous characters in the Ramayana. Known for his enormous size, Kumbhakarna was initially a virtuous and righteous individual who was blessed with immense strength and at last he was killed by Lord Rama in the battle.
Indrajith
Indrajith played a significant role in the epic as a skilled warrior and a loyal supporter of his father, Raavanan. He possessed exceptional fighting skills and was granted several boons by Lord Brahma, making him virtually invincible in battle.
The War and The End
During the war between Raavanan's army and Lord Rama's forces, Indrajith proved to be a formidable adversary. He performed a powerful ritual called the "Nagastra" and successfully defeated Lord Rama and Lakshmana in battle, temporarily immobilizing them.
However, through divine intervention and guidance, Rama and Lakshmana were able to overcome Indrajith's attacks and eventually defeat him.
And finally, there was a conflict between Lord Rama and Ravana, which took 13 days for Lord Rama to defeat Ravana. Even though Rama beat Raavanan, he asked Lakshman to get his advice on life, in which he says despite coming from an adversary, were intended to guide him towards a righteous path and to highlight the significance of brotherhood, loyalty, and adherence to moral principles.
Finally, despite all of its flaws and in my point of view, King Ravana is a good human who made a war with God, for the righteousness of his sister. And, what’s yours?
Written by- Johan Rosario
Edited By- Radhika Agrawal
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